Tribute to Kongsberg Storband

The festival Saturday opened with Kongsberg big bands free concert at Kirketorvet in connection with the band's 20th anniversary. Around 500 people turned up in the summer sun, and these could enjoy an hour of great big band music with the orchestra's invited guests.

The guests were several former members of the big band. Alongside the big band's own repertoire, a composition Marius Hoven was performed by guitarist Magnus Grimnes, and bassists Christian Sveaas Andersen and Øystein Skjeldal Østensen. Morten Barrikmo had written a work which was performed by Oda Westli, the latter known from the group Kelvin. She was airlifted to Kongsberg from Poland, where she warmed up for ZZ-Top in front of 11.000 the night before.

- This is just a pleasure. We are just amateurs who are a tribe for those who want to continue in music, says the big band's conductor and longtime leader, Jon Gunnar Tovsrud.

Today's concert was really proof of that. It was a solid orchestra that played well together with old acquaintances.

Text: Ann-Mari Lofthus/ Photo: Tommy Johansen